On World No Tobacco Day in May, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) published a new handbook for pharmacists to support tobacco cessation and treat tobacco dependence.
The handbook has been developed in collaboration with an international group of experts from various organisations, including the World Health Organisation. The handbook outlines the latest evidence-based practices, techniques and strategies for pharmacists to help people on the often-challenging journey to a tobacco-free life and remaining abstinent. It includes guidance on how to conduct patient assessments, design treatment plans, support behavioural change, select appropriate medicines to manage withdrawal symptoms and monitor progress, as well as covering other aspects such as health promotion, patient education and referral, and interprofessional collaboration.
“The information contained in this handbook is practicable and tailored to the needs of pharmacists. Using this
new resource from FIP, pharmacists can contribute to improving public health and reducing the large burden of tobacco use on our healthcare systems,” said Dr Inês Nunes da Cunha, FIP practice development and transformation projects manager, and a co- author of the handbook.
Tobacco cessation is one of the most cost- effective and high-impact interventions to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), according to the World Health Organisation. The new handbook is accompanied by a publication describing the knowledge and skills required for the delivery of pharmacist-led interventions to support tobacco cessation in addition to other modifiable NCD risk factors, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and harmful use of alcohol.
